Women’s Teams Make Return for NAIDOC Round Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - 10:17 AM - by Mark Readings

NAIDOC Round has provided the platform for two Women’s teams to play a rare match in 2022. 

Queens Park hosted Koongamia at Queens Park Reserve for a NAIDOC exhibition match at the weekend. 

Tom Bottrell, Executive Manager Country Football, Affiliates & Facilities at the West Australian Football Commission, says with teams pulling out of the MFL this season, the two clubs had nowhere to play this year. 

“They were both set to be part of the competition up until Round 1 this year. 

Given the importance of community football to the participants, volunteers, and spectators, it was great to see the Queens Park and Koongamia girls out there playing. 

Both coaches were presented with a selection headache, with around 30 players from each team turning up to play.” he said. 

Bottrell, who attended the match, was delighted with how the day was run. 

“As host club, Queens Park fully embraced the NAIDOC celebrations. 

President Ross White and Vice President Ricky Ninyette should be congratulated on the way the ground was presented. 

The centre circle was painted into an Aboriginal flag, and a NAIDOC symbol featured on the ground’s wing,” Bottrell said. 

The women’s match completed a successful day for both clubs, with the Men’s Division 1 and 2 also celebrating NAIDOC weekend. 

It’s hoped the day will be the catalyst for the Women’s teams to make a return next season. 

“The Metro Football League had two clubs pull out of the competition on the eve of the season, leaving Koongamia and Queens Park stranded. 

The game demonstrated the need and desire for regular competition, so the WAFC will be working with the MFL, individual clubs and the Perth Football League for suitable options in 2023. 

Also on the agenda is a showcase of Women’s football, which will be staged at the Men’s Division 1 and 2 Grand Final. 

North and South Metro teams will be selected to represent Women’s football on the day. 

The players will wear specially designed jumpers, and we look forward to a big turnout on Grand Final Day,” said Bottrell.  

Final Score:

Naidoc Women's Game Queens Park 4.4 (28) def. Koongamia 4.2 (26)? 

Metro Football League round 13 match results: 

Division 1 Queens Park 15.8 (98) def. Koongamia 9.6 (60)

Safety Bay 10.17 (77) def. Brighton 5.7 (37)

Innaloo 19.6 (120) def. Karnup-Serpentine 16.7 (103) 
 

Cross over Games:

Midland 20.20 (140) def. Beechboro 5.4 (34) 

Division 2 Koongamia 12.10(82) def. Queens Park 10.1 (61)

Dwellingup 14.6 (90) def. Murdoch Uni 0.1 (1)

Balga 16.23 (119) def. Gosnells 1.1 (7)